The spelling of "wrought free" can seem confusing. The word "wrought" is pronounced as /rɔt/ with a silent "w". So, "wrought free" is spelled exactly as it sounds, with no "w" sound included. "Wrought" itself is an archaic past participle of the verb "work," and in this context, it means "manufactured" or "processed." So, "wrought free" would mean that something is free from any manufacturing or processing, often used in the context of food or products without additives.
"Wrought" and "free" are two separate words with distinct etymologies:
1. "Wrought":
The word "wrought" is derived from the Old English word "geworht" or "weorht", which means "worked". It comes from the Old English verb "wyrcan", meaning "to work" or "to make". Over time, "geworht" or "weorht" evolved into "wrought", which became an adjective used to describe something that has been created or shaped through skillful workmanship or craftsmanship.
2. "Free":
The word "free" comes from the Old English word "frēo", which means "not in bondage, acting of one's own will". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "frija-, frihaz", which means "beloved, not in bondage".